Losing a loved one is the single hardest thing that many people will ever go through. The pain can be even greater when you know the death was avoidable and the result of someone else’s reckless or careless actions.
If you have lost a loved one in an accident, the team at GOLDLAW offers our condolences and support. We can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. No amount of money can fill the void that death can leave. But we can fight to honor the memory of the deceased and hold the liable entities accountable.
We have recovered more than $1 billion for clients from all walks of life. Contact our offices today to speak to a Lake Worth Beach personal injury lawyer.
Why Hire GOLDLAW?
You might feel lost and afraid after experiencing the death of a loved one. We understand your pain and want to offer our services to help you through your difficult times. The team at GOLDLAW has more than 100 years of combined legal experience and a passion for serving justice.
We can be your legal representative during every part of filing a wrongful death claim, from initial investigations and filing to settlement negotiations or formal litigation. Let us handle the difficult legal legwork so that you can focus on navigating life after death.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Lake Worth Beach, call 561-222-2222
What Is a Wrongful Death in Florida?
In Florida, a wrongful death is any death that is caused by a neglect or wrongdoing. This includes death by accidents (e.g., car crashes) as well as deaths from intentional actions (e.g., assault and murder).
When someone dies a wrongful death, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover financial compensation. Any kind of accident can be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit, including the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Premises liability accidents (e.g., slip and fall accidents)
- Work accidents (e.g., construction accidents)
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse or neglect
- Intentional acts
Wrongful Death vs. Criminal Homicide
A wrongful death is not the same as a criminal homicide. The same action giving rise to a wrongful death lawsuit can result in a criminal homicide trial, but they are distinct legal actions. Wrongful death lawsuits are a matter of civil law, while criminal homicides are a matter of criminal law.
Wrongful death lawsuits seek to compensate the deceased’s family for their losses, while homicide charges are meant to punish the offender. Criminal homicide trials operate on a beyond a reasonable doubt standard, while wrongful death claims use a lower preponderance of evidence standard.
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Compensation You Can Recover in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A wrongful death lawyer in Lake Worth Beach can help you recover compensation for the following losses in a wrongful death claim:
- Medical bills and other medical expenses the deceased incurred before death
- Loss of financial support and work income the deceased would’ve provided
- Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
- The value of lost benefits or inheritance
- Pain and suffering the deceased experienced
- Emotional distress of surviving family members
- Loss of parental care, guidance, or instruction
There may also be the possibility to recover punitive damages from the responsible party. A court might order punitive damages to punish the offender for displaying egregious, malicious, or wanton conduct.
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Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Lake Worth Beach?
Some states allow the deceased’s family members to file a lawsuit for wrongful death. However, in Florida, only the deceased’s representative as named in their will can pursue a wrongful death claim. If the deceased had no representative upon death, the state will assign one who can then bring a lawsuit.
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Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims in Florida
The general time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida is two years. This time limit starts from the date of death, which may differ from the date the deceased sustained their fatal injuries. Once the two years pass, your ability to recover compensation will run out.
Two years is the general limit for most personal injury cases, but there are a few exceptions for wrongful death claims:
- Criminal homicide. In cases involving a criminal homicide, the affected parties can bring a wrongful death lawsuit at any point in the future.
- Medical malpractice. Medical malpractice lawsuits have an absolute four-year time limit independent of your knowledge of the medical negligence leading to death.
- Claims against government. You must first file a notice of claim with the relevant government agency before you can sue. Also, wrongful death damages from the government are capped.
Contact a Lake Worth Beach Wrongful Death Lawyer
Nothing can truly make up for the loss of a loved one, but a wrongful death lawsuit can give you the stability and finances to rebuild. The team at GOLDLAW has been a reliable legal name in Southern Florida for over 30 years and has the tenacity and skills to fight for you and your loved one’s memory.
Contact our offices online or call us by phone today to speak to a Lake Worth Beach wrongful death lawyer. Consultations are free, so don’t hesitate to reach out whenever it is convenient for you. Get GOLDLAW and get the help you need and compensation you deserve.
